Learning a new skill can be an exhilarating experience, especially when that skill is in high demand like programming. Joining SDC to learn new technologies can be a daunting task, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. In this blog, I'll be sharing my journey of joining Software Development Centre to learn programming and the lessons I've learned along the way. From the challenges I faced to the triumphs I celebrated, I'll take you on a personal tour of my experience and provide you with some insights that can help you in your own journey.

I, Diya Baweja, a 1st year student pursuing Btech CSE who, like most of the other students, came into the field of Computer Science just for the sake of my dream and fascination for the Tech world. My initial exposure to SDC was through a training course on Web/App Development organised by Software Development Centre (SDC). It involved development of the web-app with Frappe, a no-code / low-code Open-Source Web Framework. In this, we developed a library management app during the course and a toy app( mine Interior Design app) with the help of online guidance by SDC after the course.

My journey of learning through SDC has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Earlier I was hardly able to cope up with the ongoing course, being a novice to this technology and due to my first semester going on side by side. It was really hard to devote 2 hours for 7 days continuosly from my routine to this course. But gradually through guidance by H.S. Rai Sir and fellow seniors, learning by trial and error, I succeeded in making that app acquiring a good hand over this technology. *This experience taught me an important lesson "you don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great". *

There was an opportunity, with the course, for the participants that those who secure above 80% in the exam, that was to be conducted after the course, will be given a chance to become a part of this prestigious group. I feel really proud to mention that I scored 96.67% in that exam and was chosen as a member of SDC.

Since I was only known to HTML, CSS, and basic python, so Sir suggested me to have a basic knowledge of javascript and also provided with resources for that knowledge. After 10 to 15 days of learning, I was asked to give a presentation on what I have learnt. Speaking frankly, I was really nervous as I always looked up to other experienced members who were well-versed with many technologies all being my seniors. But eventually after giving presentation and answering not all but many of the questions asked by everyone, I felt some different confidence in myself.

Then Sir gave me task to use two.js, a javascript library to create a project and if that project met his expectation I will be upgraded to GD i.e. Great Developers. GD is a group of enthusiastic developers who share and gain knowledge over a platform about latest tech advancements. H.S. Rai Sir himself is an inspiration, being HOD of Civil Engineering Department, he has such a thorough knowledge and experience in this field as well.

Finally stepping out of my comfort zone, I explored the uncharted territory of two.js and taking advantage of the available resources, I succeeded in creating a clock project. When I presented it before Sir and GD members, they appreciated my efforts of learning something new and through democratic voting I became a member of Great Developers group.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

I got an invitation mail from GD. The first thing that I learnt on entering GD was to how to mail professionally. Yes, really. I had never seen this level of mailing anywhere before this. Moving on my learning journey, I further explored javascript. Collaborating with like-minded individuals, immersing myself in the learning process, pushing through the challenges, celebrating the small victories, I created few more projects using this technology.

Then I learnt creating websites and apps (PWA's) further. I encountered the working of Linux OS and more about GitHub. Earlier it was really hard to handle the pressure of GD along with semester studies but as Leonardo da Vinci said "Learning never exhausts the mind". I learnt time management and team work on this journey.

"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt.

So this is my journey with SDC till now and it further continues. I am so thankful to all the opportunities that I got and feel fortunate to be a member of Great Developers.